Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. – The Eastern Kentucky University women’s soccer team remained undefeated in Ohio Valley Conference play, as the Colonels used a pair of second half goals by freshmen Ashley Ryan and Paige Larkin to surge past UT Martin, 2-1, on Friday afternoon in their conference home opener at EKU Soccer Field.

“This gives us a lot of confidence,” sophomore Brittany Nomady said. “We did well on the road the last couple weeks, but to come and win on our home field, it feels awesome.”

After being outshot, 4-2, in the first half, EKU (5-6-2, 3-0-1 OVC) rallied less than five minutes into the second half as Nomady sent a corner kick to junior Deja Tennon, who found Ryan in front of the net. Ryan scored from five yards out – her second goal of the season – and gave the Colonels the lead, 1-0.

Larkin added to that lead in the 67th minute when she received a pinpoint cross from fellow freshman Stephany Ellison and snuck another shot past Skyhawk goalkeeper Mariah Klenke to give EKU some breathing room.

That goal proved vital, however, as UTM (7-5-2, 2-2-1 OVC) attempted a comeback with 10 minutes remaining in regulation. In the 80th minute, Midori Sera headed in a goal off a corner kick from Hannah McGowen to cut the Colonels’ lead to one.

The EKU backline stiffened from there, though, as the Colonels held on to earn the crucial conference victory.

Ryan, sophomore Tess Akgunduz and freshman Kaylynn Brown led the Colonels with two shots each. UTM’s Rosaelia Loza recorded a game-high three shots.

Freshman goalkeeper Annie Wickett played all 90 minutes in goal for the Colonels and made four saves. Larkin, Tennon, senior Heather Bruce and sophomore Lauren Fant all went the distance on an EKU backline that has surrendered only three goals in four OVC games so far this fall.

Larkin is confident the Colonels will not dwell too long on Friday’s win, especially with first-place Southeast Missouri, a team that has scored 11 goals and allowed only one in conference play, looming on the horizon.

“We just need to work hard in practice, continue to go through drills the same way and take it game by game,” Larkin said. “(Coach) Linsday (Basalyga) always tells us ‘you’re only as good as your next game.’ So, whatever we do one game – win or lose – it’s the past. We need to focus on the next game and prepare for that opponent.

EKU will square off with SEMO at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday at EKU Soccer Field.